The Selkirk Association of Realtors wants this holiday season to be special.

To make that happen, the association's agents, brokers, members, affiliates and staff are taking the words of Winston Churchill to heart: “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.”

SAR’s Community Service Committee has launched "The 2025 Giving Tree" project, a local tradition of providing a very special holiday season for children and families in the community who may not otherwise receive holiday gifts. 

"By partnering with children’s advocacy organizations including Sandpoint Head Start, Bonners Ferry Head Start, Mountain State Head Start and Transitions in Progress, The Giving Tree program can make many children’s Christmas wishes come true," Stephanie Rief, SAR association executive, said. "However, to make this effort successful we need the help of everyone in the community."

This year’s Giving Tree focuses on children who come to SAR from income-verified sources on a “needs” basis. Given the enormity of this effort, Rief said the association needs the help of organizations, businesses, families and individuals who might be willing to buy gifts for the children. Gift buyers are provided specific gift tags for each child which include clothing needs, shoe and/or boot needs, toys, arts, books and special wish requests. Anyone wishing to purchase wrapping paper and ribbon to donate as well is encouraged to do so, Rief said.

Gift tags have been prepared with specific gift requests for children and their siblings as young as 1 month to 18 years of age. Giving Trees with specific gift card requests are located in a variety of businesses throughout our communities in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

In Sandpoint, go to Larson’s Department Store, Starbucks (Ponderay), 113 Main Street, Bonner General Health (registration), and Winter Ridge Health Foods.

In Bonners Ferry, go to Larson’s Department Store.

Individuals and groups may pick gift tags of their choice and return the purchased items to the SAR office, 325 S. Marion, Sandpoint by 5 p.m. on or before Tuesday, Dec. 2. The gifts will then be delivered to the referring agency offices for distribution to the families.

"We know that this is a very generous community and that many will help make this holiday season special for those less fortunate," Rief said. "It is only through the generosity of businesses, families and individuals in our communities that we can make this happen."

For additional information on The Giving Tree program, please visit the Giving Tree on SAR's Facebook page or call the SAR office at 208-265-2227.